Shaping a circular future for electronics: The role of Digital Product Passports

The escalating global e-waste stream, particularly from consumer electronics, poses a significant environmental challenge, with low formal collection and recycling rates hindering the transition to a circular economy. The urgency of addressing the growing e-waste crisis and the regulatory push for circular solutions, such as the Ecodesign for Sustainable Product Regulation, demand innovative tools like Digital Product Passports (DPPs). This study investigates how Digital Product Passports (DPPs) can improve e-waste management and support circular economy (CE) practices in consumer electronics. Through qualitative analysis of stakeholder interviews and industry reports, the study identifies DPPs’ capacity to improve transparency, traceability, and facilitate reuse, repair, and recycling. Findings reveal alignment with CE principles and the potential to incentivize circular design. However, challenges including implementation costs, data confidentiality concerns, and interoperability issues must be addressed for successful adoption. The study highlights the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to shape effective DPP regulations and overcome limitations to fully realize their benefits in fostering a more sustainable electronics ecosystem.